Copy editing, also known as line editing, is a line-by-line, super-detailed edit of your manuscript. A copy editor always keeps in mind the reader experience. This is where we make your book shine, while always maintaining your unique author voice.

Copy edits should be done only after higher-level (developmental) editing has been completed. If you’ve had a manuscript evaluation and/or developmental edit, you’ll have done any rewriting and made all your changes and edits based on those editor recommendations. At this point, you aren’t planning on making any more significant changes to your story. If this sounds like you, then you may be ready for a copy edit!

A copy edit includes the following:

• Spelling and grammar (including punctuation, sentence structure, tense consistency, etc.)

• Basic fact checking

• Word choice suggestions (such as regional slang, writing for your audience, basic readability and flow, etc.)

• Checking for consistency, continuity, syntax, wordiness, repetition, point-of-view deviations, awkward writing, glaring plot holes, timeline inconsistencies, and overall readability

• Chapter sequence verification

• Minor formatting (obvious paragraph break or spacing issues)

• Style sheet provided after edits (A style sheet is a handy document that lists style choices used in your manuscript - spelling of unusual words, hyphenated words, proper nouns, short character profiles, timeline references, location profiles, grammatical choices, etc. A style sheet can be used to maintain consistency throughout a manuscript, or even throughout multiple manuscripts if you’re writing a series.)

Note: I often provide a developmental/copy editing combo service. This is one round of developmental editing, along with copy editing, and works well for those with a fairly polished book and strong story.

What is NOT included with copy editing?

• Formatting and layout

• Subject expertise

• Editing in any languages other than English

• Translation

• Ghostwriting

• SEO optimization or analysis

• Manuscript evaluation, developmental, or substantive edit. (While I will point out story issues that may confuse readers, I won’t provide a critique or review of your actual content. This should be completed prior to the copy editing stage. If you need a developmental edit, I provide that service separate from copy editing.)

Ready to discuss booking a copy edit with me? Let’s do it! Click the link below to request a quote today!